Written by: Mr. Routaki
April ’17
the CretAquarium; a huge maritime theatre.
The Crete aquarium is part of the THALASSOKOSMOS, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. This is the largest marine research, technology and entertainment complex in the eastern Mediterranean. The institute has established its function and its development of scientific knowledge and discoveries in Marine Science.
CretAquarium first opened its doors on the 18th of December 2005 on the site of the former American base near the village of Gournes. This former air station covers a land area of 1.600 m2 and was from 1954 till 1994 used as a non-flying facility for the ‘Iraklion Air Station’. The base provided administrative and logistical support to several squadrons.
In the winter of 2008-2009 the CretAquarium went through a major expansion when 25 extra tanks were installed. The main goal of the aquarium is to educate people on the marine life under threat from extinction and educate people on how to save our marine life and oceans for the long term.
Its exhibits focus on the marine fauna of the Mediterranean region and includes sea organisms from over 250 species in more than 60 tanks, containing a total amount of 1,7 million liters of sea water. It is home to 2000 sea animals in 200 different species. Together with the appropriate natural scenery, it successfully represents the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds. It also houses 5.000 Mediterranean organisms.
During your visit you may use over fifty viewing points which allow you to observe the living creatures of the sea and their habits, while special monitors will point out the small organisms, invisible to the naked eye.
The Aquarium provides education in several forms.
Additionally CretAquarium designs and implements educational programs and other innovative services and also treats injured animals. Analytical information for every thematic section and its organisms is displayed in a variety of ways using interpretive graphics, interactive techniques and modern multimedia equipment. Additional educational games and simulations focused on different components and phenomena of the marine environment allow all visitors, independent of age, to become part of the show while at the same time it provides them with a memorable learning experience.
The aquarium is able to accommodate at least 250.000 visitors per year. The duration of the visit is expected to last for approximately 1,5 hours. The CretAquarium is open the whole year around. Opening hours in summer time are from 9.30 am till 9 pm.
Special moments during the day are the feeding procedures. The diets of the animals are prepared fresh on a daily basis and consist of a variety of mussels, prawns, squids and other small fishes. The feeding procedure is performed by well trained staff, through the especially designed areas that serve the tanks. A process of particular importance is to ensure the maintenance of large carnivorous predators that coexist and compete for food pieces. Expert staff controls the quantity each animal consumes. It is an impressive procedure that visitors may observe daily during particular times and let them realize the different behaviors and competitions of the carnivorous predators, such as sharks.
Other articles or road trips that my interest you:
If you are lucky you experience a typical Cretan music event
In route 58 krijgt u gratis rondleidingen en info over de olijvenpluk.
De dorpjes boven Hersonissos hebben nog typische huizenbouw.